THE first community building of African design in Britain could be built in Handsworth if the ambitious plans get the go ahead.

THE first community building of African design in Britain could be built in Handsworth if the ambitious plans get the go ahead.

The #10 million landmark centre would replace the existing African Caribbean Self Help Organisation in Heathfield Road to provide a world-class base for business, culture and education.

The site also includes a Grade Two listed cottage which once belonged to the estate of one of Birmingham's most famous sons - steam engine inventor James Watt. Plans are in place to restore Fern Cottage to its former glory and create a James Watt heritage centre which would link into other history trails in Handsworth such as Soho House.

It's also hoped to convert the cottage's stables into exhibition space which could house a working steam engine.

The African building, which is shaped like a shield from the air, will have a gym in the basement with shops, offices, exhibition space, restaurants and an internet cafe on the ground floor.

The first floor will house an international conference hall, while the top layer would include an African heritage centre to complement the James Watt centre on the same site.

The second floor will also include an ecological dome, set at a tropical temperature all year round, complete with health suites.

Bini Brown, who chairs the African Caribbean Self Help Organisation said: "We are largely self financing, apart from help from the Cadbury's Trust. Our building is beyond repair so city architects have recommended demolition and then rebuild on the site."

Business consultant Kofi Kyereme-Boaf who has helped in the completion of a feasibility study and a business plan, said: "The next stage is applying for planning permission. It's important that the community feels they have a share in the ownership of this building because it could set a new identity for Handsworth."